1. Explain the various battery symbols and terminologies.

"mAh": Stands for milli-ampere hours. It measure the capacity of the batteries. For example, a 1000mAh capacity means that the batteries will last for 1 hour if subjected to a 1000mA discharge current.

"V": Stands for voltage. It measure the power of the batteries. For Ni-MH batteries, they are 1.2V. For alkaline batteries, they are 1.5V.

"C": "C" defines the rate at which a battery is charged or discharged. It is the capacity obtained from a new battery subjected to a constant-current discharge at room temperature. For example, draining a battery at 1C means to drain the capacity of a cell completely in one hour. Likewise, draining a battery at 0.2C means discharge a battery in 5 hours. For nickel-metal hydride cells, the rated capacity is normally determined at a discharge rate that fully depletes the cell in five hours, or 0.2C.

2. I have not used my Ni-MH batteries in several months and they are not holding their charge. How can I fix this?

Ni-MH batteries will self-discharge if left unused. Generally, within 30 to 60 days, batteries will become completely drained. When using them, you will need to first recharge them. After extended storage, you may need to condition the batteries several times to regain nominal performance.

3. Where should Ni-MH batteries be stored?

Ni-MH batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and has minimal temperature variation. Storage in areas subject to high temperature or humidity may cause deterioration in battery quality and durability. To avoid short circuiting batteries during storage, be sure that the positive and negative terminals do not come into contact with each other.

4. My Digital Camera uses 1.5V "AA" batteries and your NiMH "AA" batteries are 1.2V. Will they still work?

Yes, you can safely use our NiMH batteries without any problems. Rechargeable batteries actually develop around 1.4 to 1.45 volts when fully charged even though they are marked as 1.2V. They can be used in place of your original batteries in almost all digital cameras , film cameras, flash units as well as most other electronic equipment.

5. What is a short circuit? Can I short circuit a Ni-MH cell?

If the positive and negative terminals of a battery come into contact with each other or with a conductive metallic object, this can cause a short circuit, which generates heat. If cells or batteries are stacked on top of each other or mixed, the resulting short circuit can lead to heat generation, leakage, rupture, and possibly fire.

Do NOT short circuit Ni-MH batteries.

6. Can I apply heat to Ni-MH batteries or dispose of them in fire?

If heated to 100°C or more, plastic materials inside the battery such as the gasket and separator may be damaged, causing leakage. The heat generated by a short circuit inside the battery may lead to rupture or fire. If disposed of in fire, batteries may burn violently.

Do NOT dispose of Ni-MH batteries in fire.

7. Can I solder directly to Ni-MH batteries?

If solder is applied directly to the battery, materials inside the battery may be damaged due to overheating. This can cause leakage or an internal short circuit. Heat generated by a short circuit inside the battery may lead to rupture or fire. Even if no abnormality takes place immediately after soldering, the resulting leakage or other damage may harm the components in the battery resulting in safety or performance problems.

Do NOT solder directly to Ni-MH batteries.

8. Can I disassemble or apply excessive pressure to Ni-MH batteries?

If a battery is disassembled, gas may be generated and exposure to electrolyte may occur, which may cause throat and skin irritation if contacted or inhaled. Also, lithium metal may generate heat, causing fire. If deformed under pressure or by impact, distortion of the battery seal may lead to leakage or short circuit, which can cause swelling, heat generation, rupture or fire.

Do NOT disassemble or deform Ni-MH batteries.

9. Can I mix Ni-MH batteries with other battery types?

If different types of batteries are used together, or new batteries are used with old ones, the differences in characteristics of voltage and capacity may cause the battery to over-discharge, which may lead to swelling, rupture or fire.

Do NOT mix Ni-MH batteries with other battery types.

10. Can Ni-MH batteries come in contact with water?

No. This may cause corrosion or the formation of combustible gas.

Do NOT expose Ni-MH batteries to water.